Thursday, March 25, 2010

I've been obsessively listening to Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly's infectious tunes. I'm not trying to sound like a music snob, but their songs sound better on vinyl since every little hiss and crackle creates a vintage and intimate sound. It's ironic how the two men looked like complete "squares", yet their melodies are surreal and strange. Black, bold, plastic glasses are also ubiquitous with their image (which look great on girls too). Their style is absurdly clean and crisp. Each strand of hair is meticulously in order and their suits are perfectly ironed. They look like classic squares, but have the enchanting ability to make any girl swoon.

In reverence to these legendary musical souls, I've gathered some modern pieces to recreate their looks for gals.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Army. Military. Utilitarian. These words are uttered relentlessly by magazines, blogs, and the internet. I’ve seen countless fashion spreads in women’s magazines showing off the new trend for 2010. It’s finally chic for women to look as if they’re ready to march off into battle. It’s even more ironic the weather is finally warming up in Chicago, yet designers have already revealed their fall collection – thick coats and furry hats are almost unbearable when we’re all ready for sunshine and spring break.

Yes, Marc by Marc Jacobs undoubtedly embraced the military trend. Army surplus green and trench coats are fundamental staples within the closets of any World War II hero. Dark hunting caps mysteriously shadowing the eyes of Jacobs’ femme fatales would woe countless campy Humphrey Bogart-like character. What separates Jacobs from other designers is his decision to juxtapose youth culture, within otherwise solemn militant clothing.

The show opens with Karen O’s emphatic, yet child-like voice singing “Capsize” – which is quickly recognizable from this year’s Spike Jonze film, Where theWild Things Are. The selection of fuzzy, teen-inspired songs thoroughly brings out the youthfulness of the collection. The Drums, a hazy and playfully kitschy band is responsible for “Let’s Go Surfing”. The music fits perfectly within Marc Jacobs’ world. The seriousness of a neutral green cardigan can be playfully transformed by un-tucking it. The satirical nature of a jacket or trench coat is exaggerated by lengthening it. Bold red-stripes vividly transform a model’s look in contrast with neutral pants.

Jacobs’ collection is reminiscent of what the youth of World War II would’ve worn if they had listened to Wavvesor Jesus and Mary Chain. A dash of colorful enthusiasm mixed within an otherwise austere wardrobe. On a purely superficial level, the collection can be waved away as just “following the trend”. In closer examination, Jacobs’ aesthetics has always been about ironically embracing youth culture.